The Ministry of Agriculture to assist Local Traffickers

Local Traffickers who were affected by the industrial action in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year, have received financial assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture.

A release from the Ministry says twenty-two Traffickers received over 65-thousand EC dollars as assistance to cover losses after their goods were returned following days of industrial action in Trinidad and Tobago earlier this year.

The commodities – Bananas, Plantains, Eddoes, Coconuts, Gingers and Soursops were returned to St. Vincent when Plant Quarantine Officers at the CARICOM Jetty in Port of Spain went on strike demanding that a resolution be met on the 42-year-old matter of a reclassification of their jobs.

Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar noted that the losses incurred by the traders were not of their own fault and the ministry was cognizant that assistance would be needed to offset some of the cost as a result of the unfortunate incident.

Several farmers were still being owed by traders as a result of this incident.

Minister Caesar said the Ministry will continue to support the endeavors of traffickers as they serve as an integral part of the Agricultural Sector in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Traders in Grenada who were also affected by the industrial action in Trinidad and Tobago have been assisted the Grenadian Government.